For All the Saints

New lyrics for an old hymn

by Ken Sehested

From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast*
We praise the Name alone in which we boast
Seal our unity around Thy Host
Alleluia! Alleluia!

We stand amid the wonderment and woe
Caressing each other, as You our hearts console
Break forth in song, all creatures here below!
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Ringed by this cloud of witnesses divine
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine
Yet in your love our faithful lives entwine
Alleluia! Alleluia!

This mercy circle longs to shine your Light
Attend our yearning, restore to us our sight
By your grace, our hearts with hope incite
Alleluia! Alleluia!

O love the Lord, with all your heart and mind
And welcome neighbors, make them kin and kind
Then to our Christ we’ll ever be resigned
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Hasten the day, when tears no longer stain
All then shall rise to sing that great refrain!
Enliven our lungs to shout Hosanna’s Reign!
Alleluia! Alleluia!

The saints are living still, their voices heard
Speaking, reminding, of Heaven’s dream deferred
Hasten to hear, that earth’s woe may be cured
Alleluia! Alleluia!

No greater love hath any than to yield
Privilege and pow’r to welcome and to shield
The least, the lost, the whole creation healed
Alleluia! Alleluia!

©Ken Sehested @ prayerandpolitiks.org

*first line from William W. How